Google adds support for virtual reality in Chrome

Google have announced that they are adding support for virtual reality to their Chrome internet browser. Oculus Rift is now officially able to be used with the browser while the ability to use other headsets is being worked on, with the company hoping to implement it as soon as possible. The company has revealed that although virtual reality currently won’t add much to the internet experience, they are hoping that by adding support they will encourage developers to create ways of incorporating it into websites. Firefox, a browser created by Mozilla, also recently announced support for Oculus Rift and other virtual reality headsets.

Oculus VR, the company behind the Oculus Rift headset, has been busy recently. It was revealed in March that they had been taken over by Facebook for $2 billion. This led to a backlash among those who had previously backed the company through Kickstarter. Minecraft developer, Markus Persson, cancelled an official port of the game to Oculus Rift in protest of the buyout. Although the Oculus Rift headset was originally developed as a gaming device the purchase by Facebook suggests that ti will be moved into other areas. That Google and Mozilla have added support for the device into their browsers backs up that though. Possible uses could include specialised video on websites or the ability to preview items in 3D before purchasing them.

The company is also facing litigation from ZeniMax over claims that source code and technical know-how used in the development of Oculus Rift belongs to them. The argument comes from the fact that John Carmack had worked on the project while employed at id Software. Oculus Rift have denied the claims, stating that ZeniMax is simply trying to take advantage of their acquisition by Facebook. Without any settlement it is likely theat the case will proceed to court.